Jewelry connector

ABSTRACT

A jewelry connector is provided that includes a first body member and a second body member adapted to be affixed to the first body member. The first and second body members cooperatively define a closed chamber. The closed chamber is sized to contain and restrain a metal finding attached to a jewelry wire. At least one of the first and second body members has an aperture through which a jewelry wire carrying said metal finding is extendable into the chamber.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The Invention pertains to jewelry, in general, and to jewelry connectorsand jewelry utilizing such connectors, in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry has always been considered an important element of awell-dressed individual, reflecting the personalities and taste of thewearer. Beaded jewelry started in ancient times as a craft using aseries of artistic stones or metal pieces placed end-to-end on a stringin various formations. Today, we have factories that arrange beads onvarious stringing materials to form bracelets, necklaces, watch bands,ankle bracelets, belts, handbag straps, waist jewelry or the like.

Stringing materials used today are predominately string, wire or chord.The type of material, size, weight and quality of the jewelry articleusually determines the stringing mechanism, be it wire, chord, stringthat is selected by the designers.

Bead wire, made exclusively for the jewelry trade, comes in manydiameters, is usually made of stainless steel wires woven together andthen coated. It is typically strong, light, and allows for a suppledrape.

Beadwork assemblies are typically connected to a clasp, chain, or cableusing string or wire.

String beadwork typically is finished by knotting the string and placingthe end knot into some type of bead where the final bead or a metalfinding holds and conceals the final knot.

Wire is preferred by designers when the application requires heavy beadsand where the bead hole is abrasive. Abrasive bead holes can act likerazors on the string or chord. The allure of stringing many differentbeads or stones and creating limitless design possibilities withouthaving to worry about abrasive beads, makes using the bead wire versusstring very attractive for jewelry assemblies by designers.

String beadwork is feasible due to the ability to knot a string. Thisremedy is not feasible for designs that use a wire for beadwork. Tying aknot in the bead wire weakens the wire. Consequently, wire strands aretypically finished with metal findings, called “crimps”.

Crimps are small tubes of metal that are crushed with pliers or aspecific crimping tool to hold wires together. Crimps fasten the wire toitself to form a loop that attaches to the clasp, chain or cableassemblies. This is accomplished by threading the wire through the crimptube around a clasp or other article, and then back through the crimptube. To close the loop, the crimp is then crushed with a crimp pliersor a needle nose pliers to hold the wire securely. Crimps of varyingsizes are used depending on the size of the wire, the weight and size ofthe beads.

Additional problems with using bead wire are that a metal finding, suchas a crimp, is exposed and raw beading wire is exposed. Metal findingsare typically not very strong and often times will break causing theloss of the jewelry.

Metal findings become a piece of hardware as opposed to an element ofdesign and are typically not found in high-priced jewelry since thiswould be considered not appealing by those that appreciate the art sinceaesthetics are important factors in the value of the jewelry. One of theprimary problems in trying to attach a bead wire to either a clasp,chain or cable is how to attach the wire without detracting from theoverall appearance of the jewelry article.

Some jewelry designers use what is called “french wire” or bullion tocover over the raw bead wire which creates the loop. French wire is aspring-like coil of silver tint that is cut to length and placed overthe exposed portion of the beading wire. French wire is a temporarysolution, at best, as it soon frays and discolors and detracts from theoverall appearance of the article of jewelry. The value of the piecesofjewelry often depends largely upon how the piece is “put together.”

While many of the prior connector elements may be suitable for low-endjewelry, they are not desirable solutions for high-end jewelry. How itis “put together” is an important factor for success in the high-endjewelry market.

Although the relevant body of art discloses devices for use with anarticle of jewelry, most all are directed towards either connecting tochain, cable or an improved clasp. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,919refers to connecting to chain, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,598 refers toconnecting beads that are wired from eyelet to eyelet and are not acontinuous wire strand. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,559 is a claspappended to a knotted pearl necklace, U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,884, is stillanother clasp designed to be soldered to a chain. In most instances,particularly with the foregoing, the strand ends in prior art have loopsthat are either glued into the last bead for engagement to a clasp, orsoldered to the end of a chain, or glued to a chord. None of the priorart addresses how to attach a bead wire to a clasp, chain, cable or thelike and overcome the exposed metal findings that detracts from theappearance of the article of jewelry.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedconnector, which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the priorart devices and provides a significant contribution to the jewelryindustry.

It is an object of this invention to provide a jewelry connectorsuitable for higher-end jewelry.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a connectorwhich is easily installed on the ends of the strands.

Another object is to provide a jewelry connector device that minimizesthe need for a high level of manual dexterity in assembly.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a jewelryconnector that may incorporate a variety of styles, designs, decorativefeatures.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a jewelryconnector that can be sized to allow for different amounts of holdingpower.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device thatis easily manufactured and simple to use.

These and other objects of the invention are provided by a jewelryconnector in accordance with the principles of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the invention, a jewelry connectoris provided that includes a first body member and a second body memberadapted to be affixed to the first body member. The first and secondbody members cooperatively define a closed chamber. The closed chamberis sized to contain and restrain a metal finding attached to a jewelrywire. At least one of the first and second body members has an aperturethrough which a jewelry wire carrying said metal finding is extendableinto the chamber.

A jewelry connector in accordance with the principles of the inventioncomprises a body, the body having a chamber and the body is adapted toreceive a cap. The connector includes a cap adapted to be affixed to thebody to close the chamber. The said cap includes an aperture sized toreceive the free end of a wire strand. The chamber is sized to containthe wire strand free end and a metal finding affixed to the wire strandfree end.

In one embodiment of the invention a loop or ring is carried by the bodyfor carrying a jewelry component.

Still further in accordance with the principles of the invention, ajewelry connector body is a substantially cylindrical member having atleast a partially threaded longitudinal bore. The cap includes athreaded portion for engaging the partially threaded longitudinal boreand securing the cap to the body.

In another embodiment of the invention a linking attachment is carriedby the body. The linking attachment is adapted to attach to a jewelrycomponent. The jewelry component may be one of a jewelry clasp, jewelrychain, jewelry cable or the like.

In accordance with the principles of the invention the cap and the bodyeach have an exterior shape and finish that match such that the cap andbody appear as a single unit when assembled together. In one embodimentof the invention, the cap and the body member are each comprised ofprecious metal.

The aperture is selected to be large enough such that the wire can passthere through and small enough to prevent the crimp attached to the wirefrom passing there through.

The cap includes a decorative portion extending to facilitate grippingby an assembler's fingers.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention jewelry comprises afirst section comprising a plurality of wired together elements and atleast one jewelry connector disposed at one end of the first section.The jewelry connector includes a first connector member and a secondconnector member adapted for secure affixation to the first connectormember. One of the first or second members has an aperture for receivinga wire extending through the first section. The first and second memberscooperate to form a closed chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to awire extending through the aperture into the chamber.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention jewelry includes afirst jewelry section of a plurality of wired together elements. A firstjewelry connector is disposed at one end of the first section. Thejewelry connector includes a first connector member; and a secondconnector member adapted for secure affixation to said first connectormember. One of the first or second members has an aperture for receivinga wire extending through the first jewelry section. The first and secondmembers cooperate to form a closed chamber for capturing a crimp affixedto a wire extending through the aperture into the chamber. A secondjewelry connector is disposed at the other end of the first jewelrysection. The second connector includes a third connector member; and afourth connector member adapted for secure affixation to the thirdconnector member. One of the third or fourth members has an aperture forreceiving a wire extending through the first jewelry section. The thirdand fourth members cooperate to form a closed second chamber forcapturing a second crimp affixed to the wire strand extending throughthe second aperture into the second chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the followingdetailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures in whichlike reference designations are utilized to designate like elements, andin which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a device in accordance with the principles of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 along with a wire andmetal finding;

FIG. 5 is a portion of a piece of jewelry in accordance with theprinciples of the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a second piece of jewelry in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention has substantial advantages over the jewelryconnection schemes previously utilized. The jewelry connector of thepresent invention becomes an element of design as opposed to a deformedpiece of hardware or wire used to forcefully grip the end strands.

The jewelry connector of the invention is sturdy and structurally asstrong as the necklace, bracelet or other piece ofjewelry in which it isused.

Turning now to the drawing, FIGS. 1 through 4 show an embodiment of ajewelry connector 100 in accordance with the principles of theinvention. Jewelry connector 100 includes a first member or body 103 anda second member or cap 101. Body 103 includes a chamber 105. Chamber 105is formed by a blind bore 107 in body 103. Blind bore 107 includesthreads 109 that extend partially along the length of bore 107.

Cap 101 includes a threaded portion 111 that is adapted to engagethreads 109. Cap 101 includes an aperture 113 that is sized to receive ajewelry wire 115.

In utilizing the connector, jewelry wire 115 is extended throughaperture 113 and a crimp 117 is affixed to the free end 119 of wire 115.

First member or body 103 includes a jewelry loop 121 that is affixedthereto by solder 123. Loop 121 is utilized to attach to a jewelrycomponent such as a clasp 501, hook 503, chain 605 or other jewelryelements as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

First member or body 103 includes a decorative portion or flange 103Athat more easily permits an assembler to hold first member or body 101.Similarly, second member or cap 101 includes a decorative portion orflange 101A that permits the assembler to hold second member or cap 101for assembly.

In assembling jewelry connector 100, a drop of adhesive or glue may beprovided on the threaded portions to permanently affix body 103 and cap101.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a beaded piece of jewelry 500 havingbeads 507. At each end of the string of beads a jewelry connector 100 isconnected. One jewelry connector 100 carries a hook 503 and the othercarries a clasp 501 for coupling to the hook 503. The particular detailsof hook 503 and clasp 501 are not shown. Hook 503 and clasp 501 may beany well known hook and clasp.

FIG. 6 illustrates another piece of jewelry 600 in accordance with theprinciples of the invention. Jewelry 600 includes a first jewelryportion 601 that is terminated at both ends with jewelry connectors 100and couples first jewelry portion 601 to chains or second jewelryportions 605. Jewelry portions 605 terminate in a hook and claspassembly 607 that is shown schematically.

Connectors 100 are preferably formed of a metal that corresponds to thejewelry in which the connectors 100 are to be used. In the preferredembodiment of the present invention, the connector has been designed ina generally cylindrical shape, has one hole for passageway for receivingone free end of a wire strand, and a loop is permanent attached at theend of the main member. It is understood that the connector may take anydecorative form or finish, additional holes for the passage of more thanone wire strand, and another form of engagement, like a hook instead ofa loop, to an article of jewelry without departing from the novel scopeof the present invention.

The invention has been described in conjunction with illustrativeembodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes and modifications to the embodiments shown may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is notintended that the invention be limited by the embodiments shown and/ordescribed. It is intended that the invention be limited only by theclaims that follow.

1. A jewelry connector comprising: a body, said body having a chamberand adapted to receive a cap; a cap adapted to be affixed to saidunitary body to close said chamber, said cap having an aperture sized toreceive the free end of a wire; said chamber being sized to contain saidwire free end and a metal finding affixed to said wire free end; and aloop carried by said unitary body for carrying a jewelry component.
 2. Ajewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein; said bodycomprises a longitudinal bore, said longitudinal bore having a firstthreaded portion; and said cap comprises a second threaded portion forengaging said first threaded longitudinal bore.
 3. A jewelry connectorin accordance with claim 2, comprising: a linking attachment carried bysaid body, said linking attachment being adapted to attach to a jewelrycomponent.
 4. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 3, wherein:said jewelry component comprises one of a jewelry clasp, jewelry chain,or jewelry cable.
 5. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 3,wherein: said linking attachment comprises one of a hook or a loop.
 6. Ajewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said cap and saidbody each have an exterior shape and finish that match such that saidcap and said body appears as a single unit.
 7. A jewelry connector inaccordance with claim 1, wherein: said cap and said body member are eachcomprised of metal.
 8. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1,wherein: said aperture is selected to be large enough such that saidwire can pass there through and small enough to prevent said crimp frompassing there through.
 9. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim1, wherein: said cap member terminates in a substantially flat surfacesuch that a pliers or crimping device may be utilized to permanentlyaffix said crimp to said wire.
 10. A jewelry connector in accordancewith claim 2, wherein: said cap comprises a decorative portion extendingbeyond said cap threaded portion to facilitate being gripped by anassembler's fingers.
 11. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1,comprising: adhesive placed on one of said first or second threadedportions to permanently affix said body to said cap.
 12. A jewelryconnector comprising: a first connector member; and a second connectormember adapted for secure affixation to said first connector member; oneof said first or second members having an aperture for receiving a wirestrand; said first and second members cooperating to form a closedchamber for capturing a crimp affixed to a wire strand extending throughsaid aperture into said chamber.
 13. A jewelry connector in accordancewith claim 12, comprising: a coupling element carried by the other ofsaid first or second members for coupling to a jewelry component.
 14. Ajewelry connector in accordance with claim 13, wherein: said couplingelement comprises a loop.
 15. Jewelry comprising: a first jewelrysection comprising a plurality of wired together elements and at leastone jewelry connector disposed at one end of said first section; saidjewelry connector comprising: a first connector member; and a secondconnector member adapted for secure affixation to said first connectormember; one of said first or second members having an aperture forreceiving a wire strand extending through said first section; said firstand second members cooperating to form a closed chamber for capturing acrimp affixed to a wire strand extending through said aperture into saidchamber.
 16. Jewelry in accordance with claim 15, comprising: a couplingelement carried by the other of said first or second members forcoupling to a jewelry component.
 17. Jewelry in accordance with claim16, wherein: said coupling element comprises a loop.
 18. Jewelrycomprising: a first section comprising a plurality of wired togetherelements a first jewelry connector disposed at one end of said firstsection; said jewelry connector comprising: a first connector member;and a second connector member adapted for secure affixation to saidfirst connector member; one of said first or second members having anaperture for receiving a wire strand extending through said firstsection; said first and second members cooperating to form a closedchamber for capturing a crimp affixed to a wire strand extending throughsaid aperture into said chamber; a second jewelry connector disposed atthe other end of said first section; said second connector comprising athird connector member; and a fourth connector member adapted for secureaffixation to said third connector member; one of said third or fourthmembers having an aperture for receiving a wire strand extending throughsaid first section; said third and fourth members cooperating to form aclosed second chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to said wire strandextending through said second aperture into said second chamber. 19.Jewelry in accordance with claim 18, comprising: a first couplingelement carried by the other of said first or second members forcoupling to a jewelry component; and a second coupling element carriedby the other of said first or second members for coupling to a jewelrycomponent.
 20. A jewelry connector comprising: a first body member; asecond body member adapted to be affixed to said first body member; saidfirst and said second body members cooperatively defining a closedchamber; said closed chamber being sized to contain and restrain a metalfinding attached to a jewelry wire; at least one of said first andsecond body members having an aperture through which a jewelry wirecarrying said metal finding is extendable into said chamber.